Important: This page is an independent reference summary. Verify classification decisions against the official ABS source before using them for tax, licensing, immigration or compliance purposes.

Role overview

Policy Analysts (ANZSCO 224412) research, analyse and develop policies and programs for government, private sector and non-profit organisations in Australia. These professionals examine social, economic and political issues to inform decision-making and recommend solutions. They work across diverse policy areas including health, education, environment, economic development and social services.

The ANZSCO classification system, including this occupation code, is maintained by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and continues to be used for statistical purposes and Australia's skilled migration program. While the classification framework is periodically updated, this code remains in use for migration assessment and cross-referencing purposes.

Key tasks in practice

While ANZSCO does not provide specific task descriptions for this occupation, Policy Analysts typically perform these core functions:

  • Researching and analysing social, economic and political trends affecting policy development
  • Evaluating existing policies and programs to assess effectiveness and identify areas for improvement
  • Preparing detailed reports, briefing papers and submissions for government ministers, senior officials and stakeholders
  • Consulting with community groups, industry representatives and other stakeholders to gather input on policy proposals
  • Developing policy options and providing advice on implementation strategies and potential impacts
  • Monitoring policy outcomes and recommending adjustments based on evaluation findings

Skill level explanation

Policy Analyst is classified as ANZSCO Skill Level 1, which represents the highest skill category in the classification system. This indicates that:

  • A bachelor degree or higher qualification is typically required
  • At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification in some instances
  • Occupations at this level involve complex analytical and conceptual tasks
  • Extensive experience in policy development, research or related fields is typically expected

For migration purposes, assessing authorities may have additional requirements beyond the ANZSCO classification guidelines.

Industry context

Policy Analysts work across multiple sectors in Australia. The related ANZSIC industry classifications suggest employment in:

  • Federal and state government departments (ANZSIC 7552 - Central Government Administration)
  • Local government administration (ANZSIC 7510)
  • Political organisations and interest groups (ANZSIC 9112 - Interest Groups)
  • Management advisory and consulting services (ANZSIC 7530)

Policy Analysts may also find employment in research institutions, non-government organisations, industry associations and private corporations that engage with government policy or develop internal policy frameworks.